Definition of overheat

The word "overheat" has its roots in the 15th century. "Heat" comes from the Old English word "hēt," meaning warmth or temperature. Initially, "overheat" was used to describe the excessive application of heat, such as cooking or burning. For example, in the 14th century, the phrase "overheat" appeared in a medical text to describe a treatment for a patient with "excessive heat in the blood." In the late 16th century, the meaning of "overheat" expanded to include the idea of something reaching a point where it becomes too hot or exceeds a normal temperature. This sense of the word is often used in contexts such as engines, electronics, or human bodies. Since then, the phrase has evolved to encompass a broader range of meanings, including not just temperature but also emotional or physical stress.